SystemSpecs has announced the winners of its 2026 Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) via a live broadcast, bringing to a close nearly four months of nationwide engagement, research, writing, and evaluation that had mobilised thousands of young Nigerians to think boldly about how technology can transform the way people and goods move across their country.
Now in its seventh year, CDEC is far more than an essay competition. It is one of SystemSpecs’ flagship ESG initiatives, a deliberate, long-term investment in shaping a generation of young Nigerians who see technology not as a distant abstraction, but as a living tool for transforming their country, one sector at a time.
Each year’s theme is carefully chosen to direct young minds toward a pressing national challenge, inviting them not merely to describe problems, but to think critically, propose solutions, and begin to see themselves as architects of Nigeria’s future.
This year’s theme: “Achieving Safer and More Effective Transportation in Nigeria Through Information Technology”, challenged participants aged 9 to 16 to engage Nigeria’s transportation sector through the lens of innovation, safety, efficiency, and national development.
A Programme Built for Depth and Authenticity
The CDEC process is intentionally rigorous. Submissions opened in February, giving participants ample time to research, reflect, and craft thoughtful responses.
Shortlisted essays then advanced to a second-level evaluation, a direct engagement process through which judges could understand the thinking, background, and personal motivation behind each submission.
Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, group head of Corporate Services at SystemSpecs, described the evaluation process as one of the competition’s most defining features.
“The second-level evaluation remains one of the most important aspects of the competition because it validates authenticity while helping judges understand the heart, background, and transformative story behind each essay. The conversations this year were deeply insightful and inspiring,” she said.
She also noted the impressive quality of ideas that emerged this year.
“What stood out was how thoughtfully these children connected technology with practical solutions across road, rail, air, and water transportation. Many proposed ideas around commuter safety, digital monitoring, emergency response systems, traffic coordination, and accessibility,” she added.
A National Movement Gaining Momentum
Since its launch in 2020, SystemSpecs CDEC has received over 20,000 essay submissions from children across all six geopolitical zones, a testament to the growing hunger among Nigerian youth to engage meaningfully with the challenges shaping their country.
The 2026 edition sustained this momentum with strong, nationwide representation, and a continued rise in female participation that has grown by 36.5 per cent over the past three years – reflecting a competition that is becoming more inclusive with every passing year.
This year’s top 50 finalists across both the Junior and Senior categories were drawn from multiple geopolitical zones, underscoring the truly national character of the initiative.
Meet the 2026 Winners
In the Senior Category, Obioha Pharez of The Court Hill College, Lagos, claimed first place, followed by Abiodun Ayomide of Oshodi Comprehensive Senior High School, Lagos, and Eruba Samuel of Deeper Life High School, Port Harcourt Campus, Rivers State.
In the Junior Category, Idris Zainab of You-Nik International Technopreneurship Secondary School, Lafia, Nasarawa State, emerged as the winner. Sanu Anjolaoluwa Adaora of Kesbe International School, Lagos, and Dieke Oluomachukwu Rachael of Divine Love Secondary School, Enugu, followed as first and second runners-up respectively.
Category winners will receive ₦1 million in cash, alongside laptops, educational resources, one-year internet subscriptions, and additional prizes. Second and third-place finalists will each receive laptops in addition to cash prizes of ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively, with consolation prizes for finalists placed fourth through tenth.
Obele Community Senior High School was named the winning school in the Senior Category, while You-Nik International Technopreneurship Secondary School, Lafia, claimed top honours in the Junior Category. Both schools will receive 10 laptops each.
Investing in Nigeria’s Future, One Generation at a Time
Mr. ‘DeRemi Atanda, Managing Director of Remita, reflected on the broader purpose of CDEC within SystemSpecs’ commitment to national development.
“CDEC continues to show that Nigerian children are observant, solution-driven, and capable of contributing meaningfully to conversations around national development. For us, this initiative is about investing in future leaders and innovators who can think critically about the country’s future,” he said.
Mr. Udy Ngele, managing director of HumanManager, connected this year’s transportation theme to the wider imperative of digital transformation.
“Digital transformation should not happen only within workplaces. It must also reflect in the ease, safety, comfort, and efficiency people experience daily while moving across the country. Smarter transportation systems ultimately improve productivity, workforce wellbeing, and human capital outcomes,” he stated.
Mr. Atanda also acknowledged the emotional weight of this year’s celebration amid growing national concerns over the safety of children.
“While we celebrate the brilliance and promise of Nigerian children today, we stand in solidarity with families affected by insecurity and continue to hope and pray for the safe return of every child in captivity. Every child deserves the freedom to dream, learn, grow, and thrive safely,” he said.
SystemSpecs reaffirmed its commitment to CDEC as an enduring platform for discovery, purpose, and national transformation – one that will continue nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who will help define the direction of Nigeria’s future in an increasingly technology-driven world.
